Taiwan Cuts LNG Ties With Papua New Guinea, Blames China

Taiwan has announced the closure of its representative office in Papua New Guinea and confirmed it will no longer sign new spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchase contracts with the Pacific nation, accusing China of using diplomatic and economic pressure to isolate Taipei.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday that Papua New Guinea had renewed demands for Taiwanese personnel to leave the office in Port Moresby by a specified deadline.

Papua New Guinea initially ordered the office's closure in July, a decision welcomed by Beijing. The office had remained operational despite the earlier announcement.

Taipei said it would now withdraw all personnel and terminate technical cooperation and assistance programmes, including medical missions, scholarships and professional training.

Taiwan had already suspended spot-market LNG purchases from Papua New Guinea following the July dispute and confirmed that no new spot contracts would be signed.

According to Taiwan's Foreign Ministry, the island had planned to purchase approximately 500,000 metric tons of spot LNG from Papua New Guinea during the first half of 2026.

Taiwan has accounted for roughly one-third of Papua New Guinea's total LNG exports, making it a significant energy customer for the Pacific nation.

Taiwanese officials said alternative gas supplies had been secured and the suspension would not threaten domestic energy security.

The ministry accused Beijing of using political pressure and economic incentives to influence Papua New Guinea's decisions and restrict Taiwan's international presence.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes official diplomatic engagement with the island.

Papua New Guinea maintains formal diplomatic relations with Beijing, while Taiwan has only 12 formal diplomatic partners worldwide, including three Pacific island nations.

The dispute underscores the continuing diplomatic competition between Beijing and Taipei across the Pacific region.